Systems, methods, and devices for closing holes in body lumens

ABSTRACT

A device for closing an opening in a body lumen, the device having a first elongate member with a first lumen, a second elongate member distal the first elongate member, and a needle assembly slidably cooperating with the first elongate member to position a plurality of sutures within the lumen of the first elongate member. The needle assembly includes a needle base and a plurality of needle portions extending from the needle base. Slidable movement of the needle assembly in relation to the first elongate member locates the plurality of sutures selectively mounted to the needle assembly within the first lumen.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/052,263, filed Aug. 1, 2018, entitled “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR CLOSING HOLES IN BODY LUMENS”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,980,531, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/005,880, filed Jan. 25, 2016, entitled “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR CLOSING HOLES IN BODY LUMENS”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,111,653, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,388, filed May 31, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,241,707 entitled “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR CLOSING HOLES IN BODY LUMENS”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to techniques and devices for closing openings in body lumens. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for percutaneous closure of arterial and venous puncture sites, which are usually accessed through a tissue tract.

2. The Relevant Technology

A number of diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures are now performed translumenally. A catheter is introduced to the vascular system at a convenient access location and guided through the vascular system to a target location using established techniques. Such procedures require vascular access, which is usually established using the well-known Seldinger technique. Vascular access is generally provided through an introducer sheath, which is positioned to extend from outside the patient's body into the vascular lumen. When vascular access is no longer required, the introducer sheath is removed and bleeding at the puncture site stopped.

One common approach for providing hemostasis (the cessation of bleeding) is to apply external force near and upstream from the puncture site, typically by manual compression. This approach suffers from a number of disadvantages. For example, the manual compression procedure is time consuming, frequently requiring one-half hour or more of compression before hemostasis is achieved. Additionally, such compression techniques rely on clot formation, which can be delayed until anticoagulants used in vascular therapy procedures (such as for heart attacks, stent deployment, non-optical PTCA results, and the like) wear off. The anticoagulants may take two to four hours to wear off, thereby increasing the time required before completion of the manual compression procedure.

Further, the manual compression procedure is uncomfortable for the patient and frequently requires analgesics to be tolerable. Moreover, the application of excessive pressure can at times totally occlude the underlying blood vessel, resulting in ischemia and/or thrombosis. Following manual compression, the patient typically remains recumbent from four to as much as twelve hours or more under close observation to assure continued hemostasis. During this time, renewed bleeding may occur, resulting in blood loss through the tract, hematoma and/or pseudo-aneurysm formation, as well as arteriovenous fistula formation. These complications may require blood transfusions and/or surgical intervention.

The incidence of complications from the manual compression procedure increases when the size of the introducer sheath grows larger, and/or when the patient is anticoagulated. The compression technique for arterial closure can be risky, and is expensive and onerous to the patient. Although using highly trained individuals can reduce the risk of complications, dedicating such personnel to this task is both expensive and inefficient. Nonetheless, as the number and efficacy of translumenally performed diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures increases, the number of patients requiring effective hemostasis for a vascular puncture continues to increase.

To overcome the problems associated with manual compression, the use of bioabsorbable sealing bodies is one example approach that has been proposed. Generally, this example approach relies on the placement of a thrombogenic and bioabsorbable material, such as collagen, at the superficial arterial wall over the puncture site. While potentially effective, this approach suffers from a number of drawbacks. For example, bioabsorbable sealing bodies may lack a solid mechanical attachment of the sealing body to the tissue. Due to the lack of a solid mechanical attachment, the sealing body can wander within the tissue tract or move out of the puncture site, thus causing late bleeds. Conversely, if the sealing body wanders and intrudes too far into the arterial lumen, due to the lack of a solid mechanical attachment, intravascular clots and/or collagen pieces with thrombus attached can form and embolize downstream, causing vascular occlusion.

In addition to not having a solid mechanical attachment to the tissue, the sealing bodies may rely upon expandable materials to achieve hemostasis. Again, the expandable materials lack the security of a hard mechanical closure, thus potentially causing late bleeds and prolonging hemostasis.

For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved devices and methods to seal body lumen puncture sites. It would be particularly desirable to provide percutaneous devices and methods for suturing the puncture sites required for percutaneous vascular procedures.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and devices for closing an opening in tissue. Embodiments of the invention can be configured to close an opening within a body lumen.

For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, a device for closing an opening in tissue includes an elongate member, a plurality of needles, a foot housing, and a foot. The elongate member has a plurality of needle lumens extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. The needles are disposed within and are advancable from the plurality of needle lumens. The foot housing is disposed at the distal end of the elongate member and defines a first opening and a second opening therein. The foot is slidably mounted within the foot housing and through the first opening between a delivery position and a deployed position. The foot includes at least two cuffs removably mounted in a first end and at least two cuffs removably mounted in a second, opposing end. A length of suture is connected between each cuff in the first end of the foot and each cuff in the second end of the foot. The cuffs in the first end of the foot are positioned below and accessible through the second opening in the foot housing and the cuffs in the second end of the foot are positioned outside the foot housing when the foot is in the deployed position. In contrast, the cuffs in the first end of the foot are substantially inaccessible through the second opening in the foot housing when the foot is in the delivery position.

According to another implementation of the present invention, a device for closing an opening in a body lumen includes an elongate member and a plurality of needles as mentioned. In addition, the device includes a foot portion disposed at the distal end of the elongate member and a plurality of feet slidably mounted on the foot portion. Each foot of the plurality of feet is slidable between a delivery position and a deployed position. The plurality of feet moves both proximally along the length of the foot portion and radially away from the central axis of the foot portion when moving from the delivery position to the deployed position. Also, each foot of the plurality of feet has a cuff removably mounted therein. A length of suture is connected between each pair of cuffs. The device also includes a track and track guide system to facilitate movement of the feet between the delivery and deployed positions.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a needle includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of needle tips extending from the distal end of the shaft. The plurality of needle tips can be generally aligned with and parallel to one another. Alternatively, the plurality of needle tips can be generally parallel to and offset from one another.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a closure device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another elevation view of the closure device of FIG. 1 , showing a foot in a deployed position;

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a distal end of the closure device of FIG. 1 , showing the foot in the deployed position;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 1 , with the foot in the delivery position;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 1 , with the foot in the deployed position;

FIG. 4A is a top view of one exemplary foot for use in connection with the closure device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4B is a top view of another exemplary foot for use in connection with the closure device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4C is a top view of another exemplary foot for use in connection with the closure device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4D is a top view of another exemplary foot for use in connection with the closure device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4E is a top view of another exemplary foot for use in connection with the closure device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the front side of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 1 , showing needles being deployed toward a first end of the foot;

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of the back side of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 1 , showing needles being deployed toward a second end of the foot;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an exemplary needle for use in connection with a closure device similar to the closure device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6A is a close-up view of a distal end of the needle of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 7A is a top view of the front side of the distal end of a closure device similar to the closure device of FIG. 1 , showing a needle from FIG. 6A being deployed toward a first end of the foot;

FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the back side of the distal end of a closure device similar to the closure device of FIG. 1 , showing a needle from FIG. 6A being deployed toward a second end of the foot;

FIG. 8 is a close-up, side view of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 1 inserted into a vessel through a puncture site;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 , except that the foot of the distal end has been deployed or expanded within the vessel;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 , except that needles have been deployed through the vessel wall and into cuffs mounted on the foot;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 , except that the needles have been drawn proximally, thereby drawing the cuffs and attached sutures through the vessel wall;

FIG. 12 illustrates the needles completely withdrawn into the elongate member and the foot withdrawn back into the delivery position prior to removal of the distal end from the vessel;

FIG. 13 illustrates the distal end of the device removed from the vessel after the sutures have been drawn through the vessel wall;

FIG. 14 illustrates a plunger and the needles withdrawn from the device;

FIG. 15 illustrates a needle housing detached from the plunger and, in phantom, separated into two halves;

FIG. 16 illustrates the sutures, needles, and needle housing halves freed from the closure device;

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vessel wall showing the suture tied to close the opening in the vessel wall;

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate various suture patterns used to close an opening in a vessel wall;

FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a closure device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is another elevation view of the closure device of FIG. 14 , showing foot lobes in deployed position;

FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 18 taken along cutting plane 20A-20A of FIG. 18 , showing cuffs mounted within the foot lobes;

FIG. 20B is a partial cutaway view of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 18 , showing a foot lobe in a delivery position and, in phantom view, in a deployed position;

FIG. 21 is a close-up view of the distal end of the closure device of FIG. 18 inserted into a vessel through a puncture site;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 , except that the foot lobes of the distal end have been deployed within the vessel;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 , except that needles have been deployed partially through the vessel wall toward the cuffs mounted in the foot lobes;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23 , except that the needles have been drawn proximally after engaging the cuffs, thereby drawing the cuffs and attached sutures through the vessel wall; and

FIG. 25 illustrates the needles completely withdrawn into the elongate member and the foot lobes withdrawn back into the delivery position prior to removal of the distal end from the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “distal” is generally defined as in the direction of the patient or away from a user of a device. In the context of a medical device intervention with or through a vessel wall, “distal” herein refers to the interior or the lumen side of the vessel wall. Conversely, “proximal” generally means away from the patient or toward the user. In the context of a medical device intervention with or through a vessel wall, “proximal” herein refers to the exterior or outer side of the vessel wall.

The term “suturing” is herein intended to include the process of joining two surfaces or edges together with a fastener or so as to close an aperture, opening, or wound, or join tissues. The fastener is usually a suture such as a thread of material (either polymeric or natural), gut, wire, or the like. The term fastener as used herein also includes clamps, studs, hasps, catches, hooks, rivets, staples, snaps, stitches, VELCROC, buttons, and other coupling members.

Referring to the Figures, suture applying devices that are suitable for suturing and sealing of percutaneous vascular puncture sites, such as those made to the femoral artery in a patient's groin, will be described. It will be appreciated, however, that the devices of the present invention can be readily adapted for use with punctures made to other hollow body organs and lumens, although it may be necessary to modify the dimensions and other particular aspects of the devices to accommodate the different usage environments.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example embodiment of a closure device 100. Closure device 100 includes a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , closure device 100 includes an elongate member 106 that has a proximal end 108 and a distal end 110. As discussed in greater detail below, elongate member 106 is generally tubular and includes one or more lumens that extend generally from proximal end 108 to distal end 110. The one or more lumens may be used to facilitate the delivery of device 100 over a guidewire or to deliver one or more needles into a patient. In one embodiment, elongate member 106 is formed of a rigid material such as a stainless steel or other biocompatible material that is rigid. Alternatively, elongate member 106 may be formed of a flexible material such as those materials utilized to form catheter shafts, introducer sheaths, or other medical devices. Suitable materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), peak, PTFE, nylon, or any other similar materials.

Connected to proximal end 108 of elongate member 106 is an actuator mechanism 112. Actuator mechanism 112 includes a handle 114 to facilitate manipulation of device 100. Actuator mechanism 112 also includes a plunger 116 used to deploy and retract needles from elongate member 106, and a lever 118 used to selectively deploy and retract a foot, as discussed in greater detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , distal end 104 of device 100 includes a foot portion 120 attached to or extending from distal end 110 of elongate member 106. In the illustrated embodiment, foot portion 120 is in the form of a foot housing. Elongate member 106 and foot portion 120 may be discrete pieces that are coupled together, or elongate member 106 and foot portion 120 may be integrally formed as a single piece.

A foot 122 is movably disposed within foot portion 120. Foot 122 moves between a delivery position, in which foot 122 is positioned substantially or entirely within foot portion 120 (as illustrated in FIG. 1 ), and a deployed position, in which foot 122 extends at least partially out of foot portion 120 (as illustrated in FIG. 2 ). When foot 122 is in the delivery configuration, distal end 104 can be inserted through a puncture site and into a body lumen of a patient. Once distal end 104 is positioned within the body lumen, foot 122 may be moved to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, foot 122 increases the profile of distal end 104, which prevents distal end 104 from being inadvertently pulled out of the body lumen through the puncture site. Additionally, foot 122 may also be used as a locator to assist a physician in properly positioning distal end 104 within the body lumen. As will be discussed in greater detail below, foot 122 is operatively connected to lever 118 such that foot 122 may be selectively moved between the delivery position and the deployed position by actuating lever 118.

FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate that device 100 optionally includes a flexible guidebody 124 extending distally from the distal end of foot portion 120. As explained in greater detail below, guidebody 124 can be advanced along a guidewire into a body lumen. Accordingly, at least the distal portion of guidebody 124 can be formed from a flexible or elastomeric material that is biocompatible, particularly with blood.

Turning attention to FIG. 3 , a close-up perspective view of distal end 104 is illustrated. As can be seen in FIG. 3 , foot 122 includes a first or distal end 126 and a second or proximal end 128. In the illustrated embodiment, each of first and second ends 126, 128 includes two cuff receptacles 130. A cuff 132 (with an associated end of a suture 134) is releasably disposed within each cuff receptacle 130. Each suture 134 is connected between cuffs 132 disposed in opposing ends of foot 122. A surface of each cuff receptacle 130 may taper or be funnel shaped so as to guide advancing needles into engagement with cuffs 132 when foot 122 is in the deployed position.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, foot 122 is in the delivery position such that foot 122 is positioned substantially entirely within foot portion 120. In contrast, FIGS. 3 and 3B illustrate foot 122 in the deployed position. That is, in the deployed position, second end 128 of foot 122 extends outside of foot portion 120 while first end 126 remains positioned within foot portion 120. Foot portion 120 includes an opening or window 136 to enable second end 128 to move in and out of foot portion 120 between the delivery and deployed positions.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 3B, the cuff receptacles 130 and cuffs 132 in second end 128 are generally aligned with one or more needle lumens 140 in elongate member 106 when foot 122 is in the deployed position. As noted above, one or more needles 142 may be passed through or extended from needle lumens 140. Aligning cuff receptacles 130 and cuffs 132 with needle lumens 140 enables needles 142 to be extended from needle lumens 140 toward cuff receptacles 130 so that needles 142 may engage cuffs 132, as discussed in greater detail below.

Foot portion 120 also includes a second opening or window 138. Window 138 provides access to first end 126 of foot 122. More particularly, the cuff receptacles 130 and cuffs 132 in first end 126 are accessible through window 138 when foot 122 is in the deployed position. Additionally, the cuff receptacles 130 and cuffs 132 in first end 126 are generally aligned with one or more needle lumens 140 in elongate member 106 when foot 122 is in the deployed position. As a result of the cuffs 132 in first end 126 being accessible through window 138 and aligned with needle lumens 140 when foot 122 is deployed, needles 142 are extended from needle lumens 140, through window 138, and toward cuff receptacles 130 so that needles 142 may engage cuffs 132, as discussed in greater detail below.

As noted above, foot 122 is movable between a delivery position and a deployed position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-3B, movement of foot 122 to the deployed position is in the direction of arrow A₁, while movement of foot 122 to the delivery position is in the direction of arrow A₂. Foot 122 may be moved between the delivery and deployed configurations in a variety of ways. The Figures illustrate one exemplary manner in which movement of foot 122 may be accomplished.

In the illustrated embodiment, foot 122 is connected to lever 118 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) via cables 144, 146. More specifically, first end 126 of foot 122 is connected to lever 118 via deployment cable 144 and second end 128 of foot 122 is connected to lever 118 via retraction cable 146. When lever 118 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2 , for example, deployment cable 144 may be drawn proximally up through elongate member 106. As deployment cable 144 is drawn proximally, deployment cable 144 pulls on first end 126 of foot 122. Due to the angle between elongate member 106 and foot portion 120, the pulling of first end 126 by deployment cable 144 causes foot 122 to move in the direction of arrow A₁ and toward the deployed position.

Retraction cable 146 works in a similar manner as deployment cable 144 to move foot 122 to the delivery position. More specifically, when lever 118 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 1 , retraction cable 146 is drawn proximally up through elongate member 106. As retraction cable 146 is drawn proximally, retraction cable 146 pulls on second end 128 of foot 122. As best seen in FIG. 3B, when foot 122 is in the deployed position, retraction cable 146 extends through elongate member 106, into foot portion 120, and out window 136 to second end 128. Retraction cable 146 bends to extend from elongate member 106 and out of window 136 toward second end 128. Due to this bend in retraction cable 146, the pulling of second end 128 by retraction cable 146 causes foot 122 to move in the direction of arrow A₂ and toward the delivery position.

Foot portion 120 and foot 122 may include additional features that facilitate smooth movement of foot 122 between the delivery and deployed positions. By way of example, foot portion 120 and foot 120 may include a track and track guide system to assist foot 122 in moving smoothly between the delivery and deployed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, foot portion 120 includes track guides 148 on opposing interior surfaces thereof, and foot 120 includes tracks 150 on opposing sides thereof. Tracks 150 are able to slide in track guides 148 as foot 122 moves. Track guides 148 and tracks 150 assist in keeping foot 122 aligned and moving smoothly as cables 144, 146 are moved.

Before leaving FIGS. 3-3B, it is worth noting that sutures 134 extend between cuffs 132 around the outside of foot portion 120. More specifically, each suture 134 extends from a cuff 132 in first end 126 of foot 122, out through window 138, and to a cuff 132 in second end 128 of foot 122. By extending sutures 134 between cuffs 132 outside of foot portion 120, sutures 134 can be readily removed from distal end 104 without being caught in foot portion 120. That is, if a suture 134 extended from a cuff 132 in first end 126, through foot portion 120, and out of window 136 to a cuff 132 in second end 128, when the ends of suture 134 were pulled away from foot 122, suture 134 would be caught in foot portion 120. Accordingly, sutures 134 extend between cuffs 132 in opposing ends of foot 120 and through window 138.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 4A, which illustrates a top view of foot 122 and a puncture site PS (shown in phantom lines). In the illustrated embodiment, foot 122 includes four cuff receptacles 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d, four corresponding cuffs 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, 132 d, and two sutures 134 a, 134 b. Suture 134 a is connected between cuffs 132 a and 132 c and suture 134 b is connected between cuffs 132 b and 132 d. When sutures 134 a, 134 b are used to close a puncture site PS, sutures 134 a, 134 b form two generally parallel suture loops around puncture site PS, as shown in FIG. 17A. It will be understood that sutures 134 a, 134 b may be arranged to form other suture loop patterns. For instance, suture 134 a could be connected between cuff 132 a and 132 d and suture 134 b could be connected between cuff 132 b and 132 c. In such a case, sutures 134 a and 134 b would create a generally X-shaped suture loop pattern when closing puncture site PS.

While foot 122 has been illustrated and described as including four cuff receptacles and supporting four cuffs and two sutures, it will be appreciated that the present invention may include or utilize greater or fewer cuff receptacles, cuffs, or sutures. Additionally, the cuff receptacles, cuffs, and sutures may be arranged in various patterns. FIGS. 4B-4E illustrate a few additional embodiments of feet, with different numbers of cuff receptacles, cuffs, and sutures, and arranged in a variety of ways. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the illustrated embodiments are provided by way of example only, and that the present invention may include still other arrangements and numbers of cuff receptacles, cuffs, and sutures.

With attention to FIG. 4B, there is illustrated a foot 122 a that is similar to foot 122 in many respects. Foot 122 a has a first end 126 a and a second end 128 a. In first end 126 a are three generally aligned cuff receptacles 130 a, 130 b, 130 c that receive and support cuffs 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, respectively. Similarly, second end 128 a includes three generally aligned cuff receptacles 130 d, 130 e, 130 f that receive and support cuffs 132 d, 132 e, 132 f, respectively. Sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are connected respectively between cuffs 132 a and 132 d, cuffs 132 b and 132 e, and cuffs 132 c and 132 f. When sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are used to close a puncture site PS, sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c form three generally parallel suture loops around puncture site PS, as shown in FIG. 17B.

Sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c may also be connected to cuffs 132 a-f so as to form non-parallel suture loop arrangements. By way of example, suture 134 a may be connected between cuffs 132 a and 132 f, suture 134 c may be connected between cuffs 132 c and 132 d, and suture 134 b may be connected between cuffs 132 b and 132 e. In such a case, sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c would form a suture loop pattern around puncture site PS like the pattern shown in FIG. 17C. Other patterns could also be achieved by connecting sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c to cuffs 132 a-f in other combinations.

Turning attention to FIG. 4C, there is illustrated a foot 122 b that is similar to foot 122 a in many respects. Foot 122 b has a first end 126 b and a second end 128 b. In first end 126 b are three cuff receptacles 130 a, 130 b, 130 c that receive and support cuffs 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, respectively. Similarly, second end 128 a includes three cuff receptacles 130 d, 130 e, 130 f that receive and support cuffs 132 d, 132 e, 132 f, respectively. Unlike the cuff receptacles in feet 122, 122 a, cuff receptacles 130 a-f in foot 122 b are not all generally aligned. Rather, cuff receptacles 130 a, 130 c, 130 d, 130 f are arranged in a generally rectangular pattern, while cuff receptacles 130 b, 130 e are offset from the other cuff receptacles. More specifically, cuff receptacles 130 a, 130 c are generally aligned with one another while cuff receptacle 130 b is offset therefrom closer to first end 126 b. Similarly, cuff receptacles 130 d, 130 f are generally aligned with one another while cuff receptacle 130 e is offset therefrom closer to second end 128 b.

Sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are connected respectively between cuffs 132 a and 132 f, cuffs 132 b and 132 e, and cuffs 132 c and 132 d. When sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are used to close a puncture site PS, sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c form a generally star shaped suture pattern around puncture site PS, as shown in FIG. 17C. Sutures 134 a, 134 b, 134 c may also be arranged to form other suture patterns, including three generally parallel suture loops as shown in FIG. 17B.

FIG. 4D illustrates a foot 122 c that is similar to foot 122 b in many respects. The main difference between foot 122 b and foot 122 c is that cuff receptacles 130 a-f in foot 122 c are arranged in a generally circular pattern. Arranging cuff receptacles 130 a-f in a generally circular pattern enables sutures 134 a-c to extend across puncture site PS in a number of directions and in a more evenly spaced manner. As with the previous embodiments, sutures 134 a-c may be connected between cuffs 132 a-f in various combinations or patterns to provide a desired suture pattern for closing puncture site PS.

FIG. 4E illustrates a foot 122 d according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, foot 122 d includes six cuff receptacles 130 a-f, and supports six cuffs 132 a-f and three sutures 134 a-c. In this embodiment, cuff receptacles 130 a-f and cuffs 132 a-f are all substantially aligned with one another, with sutures 134 a-c connected between cuffs 132 a-f.

As mentioned above, closure device 100 also includes one or more needles 142 that can be deployed from one or more lumens (such as needle lumens 140) in elongate body 106 and into a patient. The one or more needles 142 can be advanced through needle lumens 140 and into the patient using plunger 116. More specifically, plunger 116 may be linked to or operably associated with the one or more needles 142 such that the one or more needles 142 advance out of needle lumens 140 and into the patient as plunger 116 is moved distally (i.e., towards distal end 104). Likewise, plunger 116 may be adapted to withdraw the one or more needles 142 out of the patient and back into needle lumens 140 when plunger 116 is moved proximally (i.e., away from distal end 104).

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in which FIG. 5A is a top view of the front of distal end 104, and FIG. 5B is an elevation view of the back side of distal end 104. When foot 122 is in the deployed position within a vessel, needles 142 are deployed from elongate member 106 into the patient. As needles 142 penetrate a lumen wall, each needle 142 engages and connects to a cuff 132. Once needles 142 are connected to cuffs 132, the needles and connected cuffs are withdrawn out of the patient. Drawing cuffs 132 out of the patient pulls sutures 134 through the lumen wall so that sutures 134 may be tied to close a puncture in the lumen wall.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict four needles 142 being deployed or extended out of elongate member 106 toward cuffs 132. In particular, on the front side of distal end 104 needles 142 a, 142 b extend from needle lumens 140 a, 140 b, respectively, toward cuffs 132 a, 132 b, respectively. Similarly, on the back side of distal end 104 needles 142 c, 142 d extend from needle lumens 140 c, 140 d, respectively, toward cuffs 132 c, 132 d, respectively. As needles 142 a-d advance, needle tips 152 a-d engage and connect to cuffs 132 a-d, respectively. Needle tips 152 a-d and cuffs 132 a-d may include complementary features that allow for a secure connection therebetween. Alternatively, needle tips 152 a-d and cuffs 132 a-d may connect to one another via a friction-fit, or other means.

Similar to and in connection with the discussion of FIGS. 4A-4E, it will be appreciated that device 100 may include different numbers of needle lumens 140 and needles 142. For instance, if foot 122 supports four cuffs, like in FIG. 4A, then device 100 may be designed with four needle lumens and four needles, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Alternatively, if foot 122 supports six cuffs as shown in FIGS. 4B-4E, device 100 may include six needle lumens and six needles. Thus, device 100 may have a corresponding number of cuffs, needles, and needle lumens.

Although device 100 may have a corresponding number of cuffs, needles, and needle lumens as discussed above, device 100 may also include non-corresponding numbers of cuffs, needles, and needle lumens. For instance, device 100 may include one or more needles that are configured to retrieve or withdraw through a lumen wall more than one cuff as described herein.

For instance, FIGS. 6 and 6A illustrate a needle 154 that may be used to simultaneously retrieve multiple cuffs 132. FIG. 6 illustrates an elevation view of needle 154 while FIG. 6A illustrates a close-up perspective view of the distal end of needle 154. As depicted in the Figures, needle 154 includes a shaft 156 and three needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c extending from the distal end of shaft 156. Shaft 156 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c are generally aligned with one another.

Each needle tip 158 a, 158 b, 158 c is configured to engage and connect to a cuff 132 supported by foot 122. Needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c and cuffs 132 may include complementary features that allow for a secure connection therebetween. As depicted in FIG. 6A, each needle tip 158 a, 158 b, 158 c has a generally square cross-sectional shape that can create a friction-based connection with a cuff 132 when needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c are received within cuffs 132. Needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c may have other cross-sectional shapes, including circular, oval, or other regular or irregular shapes.

Although needle 154 is depicted as being generally flat with three needle tips, it will be appreciated that a multi-tip needle according to the present invention may have other configurations. Accordingly, a multi-tip needle may include a plurality of needle tips, including two needle tips or more than three needle tips. Additionally, a multi-tip needle may have a cross-sectional shape that is different from the generally rectangular shape illustrated. For instance, shaft 156 may have a circularly, square, oval, or other cross-sectional shape.

In one embodiment, for example, shaft 156 has a generally V-shaped cross-sectional shape. That is, the opposing sides of shaft 156 are generally aligned with one another while the center portion of shaft 156 is offset from the opposing sides. As a result of this cross-sectional shape of shaft 156, needle tip 158 b may be offset from needle tips 158 a and 158 c. Needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c may also be offset from one another when shaft 156 has other cross-sectional shapes.

Using multi-tip needles, such as needle 154, can reduce the number of needle lumens required in elongate member 106. For instance, two needles 154 (each having three needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c) can be advanced from two needle lumens to retrieve six cuffs rather than advancing six individual needles through six different needle lumens. Forming elongate member 106 with fewer needle lumens can simplify the manufacturing of elongate member 106.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views similar to those of FIGS. 5A and 5B. More specifically, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate front and back views of a distal end 104′ that is similar in many respects to distal end 104. In contrast to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which illustrate four separate needles being advanced from four separate needle lumens, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate two multi-tip needles 154 being advanced from two needle lumens 160 a, 160 b.

In particular, on the front side of distal end 104′, needle 154 a extends from needle lumen 160 a so that needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c from needle 154 a extend toward cuffs 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7A. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7B, on the back side of distal end 104′, needle 154 b extends from needle lumen 160 b so that needle tips 158 a, 158 b, 158 c from needle 154 b extend toward cuffs 132 d, 132 e, 132 f, respectively. As needles 154 a, 154 b advance, needle tips 158 a-c from needle 154 a engage and connect to cuffs 132 a-c, respectively, and needle tips 158 a-c from needle 154 b engage and connect to cuffs 132 d-f, respectively. Once the needle tips are connected to cuffs 132 a-f, needles 154 a, 154 b can be withdrawn proximally to draw cuffs 132 a-f through the lumen wall, thereby pulling the ends of sutures 134 a-c through the lumen wall. With the ends of sutures 134 a-c pulled through the lumen wall, distal end 104′ can be removed from the body lumen and sutures 134 a-c can be tied to close a puncture site in the lumen wall.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-12 , one exemplary method of using device 100 will be discussed. In light of the foregoing discussion, it will be understood that device 100, as used in the following method, may include a plurality of individual needles (e.g., needles 142) delivered through individual needle lumens (e.g., 140), or may include one or more multi-tip needles (e.g., needles 154) delivered through one or more needle lumens (e.g., 160). For simplicity, the following exemplary method will be described with reference to needles 162 a, 162 b and needle lumens 164 a, 164 b. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that needles 162 a, 162 b may be representative of two or more individual-tip or multi-tip needles. Likewise, needle lumens 164 a, 164 b may also be representative of two or more needle lumens through which individual-tip or multi-tip needles can be advanced.

As shown in FIG. 8 , distal end 104 of device 100 is at least partially inserted into a patient such that foot portion 120 passes through a puncture site 166 in a lumen wall 168. As with many transluminal procedures, device 100 may be introduced into the body lumen using a guidewire. Once foot portion 120 is positioned within the body lumen, foot 122 is moved to the deployed position as shown in FIG. 9 . As discussed above, foot 122 may be moved to the deployed position by actuating lever 118. Once foot 122 is in the deployed position, device 100 may be moved proximally so that foot portion 120 and foot 122 engage the interior surface of lumen wall 168. In this manner foot portion 120 and foot 122 may be used as locators to ensure proper placement of distal end 104 within the body lumen.

Once foot 122 has been deployed and positioned within the body lumen as desired, needles 162 a, 162 b are advanced from needle lumens 164 a, 164 b as shown in FIG. 10 . As discussed above, needles 162 a, 162 b may be advanced out of needle lumens 164 a, 164 b by moving plunger 116 (FIG. 1 ) distally. The advancement of needles 162 a, 162 b out of needle lumens 164 a, 164 b causes needles 162 a, 162 b to extend distally and at least partially radially away from elongate member 106. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , needles 162 a, 162 b extend out of needle lumens 164 a, 164 b at an angle relative to elongate member 106 so that needles 162 a, 162 b will pass through lumen wall 168 and to cuffs 132 in foot 122 upon advancement of needles 162 a, 162 b out of needle lumens 164 a, 164 b.

As needles 162 a, 162 b engage cuffs 132 in foot 122, the needle tips of needles 162 a, 162 b (whether single tip or multi-tip needles) securely engage cuffs 132 to connect cuffs 132 to needles 162 a, 162 b. With the needle tips securely connected to cuffs 132, needles 162 a, 162 b are withdrawn out of the patient by moving plunger 116 (FIG. 1 ) proximally. As needles 162 a, 162 b are withdrawn, cuffs 132 are also withdrawn out of the patient. More specifically, since cuffs 132 are securely connected to needles 162 a, 162 b, withdrawal of needles 162 a, 162 b also causes cuffs 132 to be withdrawn. Even more specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , as needles 162 a, 162 b are drawn back through lumen wall 168, cuffs 132 are likewise drawn therethrough. As can also be seen in FIG. 11 , since suture 134 is connected between cuffs 132, the ends of suture 134 are also drawn through lumen wall 168. As a result, the opposing ends of suture 134 extend through lumen wall 168 on opposing sides of puncture site 166 so that suture 134 spans puncture site 166.

Needles 162 a, 162 b may be withdrawn completely back into needle lumens 164 a, 164 b along with cuffs 132 as shown in FIG. 12 . Foot 122 is then moved back to the delivery position as also shown in FIG. 12 . As discussed above, foot 122 is moved from the deployed position to the delivery position by moving lever 118 from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 1 . Once foot 122 is in the delivery position, distal end 104 is removed from the patient, leaving sutures 134 spanning puncture site 166 and extending out of lumen wall 168. Sutures 134 may then be secured together to close puncture site 166.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate an exemplary manner of removing distal end 104 and closing puncture site 166. The illustrated embodiment uses two or more sutures 134 to close puncture site 166. As discussed above, each suture 134 may be connected between two separate needles 142 or individual needle tips (e.g., 158) on separate multi-tip needles (e.g., 154). In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, three sutures 134 a-134 c are connected between six needles 142 a-142 f. Specifically, as best seen in FIG. 16 , suture 134 a is connected between needles 142 a and 142 d, suture 134 b is connected between needles 142 b and 142 e, and suture 134 c is connected between needles 142 c and 142 f.

Once needles 142 a-142 f have been deployed and withdrawn to draw the ends of sutures 134 a-134 c through lumen wall 168 as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8-12 , distal end 104 may be removed from the patient as shown in FIG. 13 . Plunger 116 may then be removed from actuator mechanism 112 as shown in FIG. 14 . More specifically, plunger 116 may be drawn proximally relative to actuator 112 until plunger 116 is removed from the proximal end of actuator mechanism 112.

As can be seen in FIG. 14 , a detachable needle housing 159 is disposed on the distal end of plunger 116. Housing 159 may hold the proximal ends of needles 142 such that movement of plunger 116 causes a corresponding movement of needles 142. Accordingly, removal of plunger 116 from actuator mechanism 112 may likewise cause needles 142 to be at least partially withdrawn proximally from actuator mechanism 112. FIG. 14 illustrates needles 142 completely withdrawn from actuator mechanism 112.

As shown in FIG. 15 , needle housing 159 may be detached from plunger 116 to facilitate the removal of closure device 100 from off of sutures 134. After detaching needle housing 159 from plunger 116, needle housing 159 may be separated into two halves 159 a, 159 b, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 15 . In the illustrated embodiment, half 159 a holds the proximal ends of needles 142 a-142 c and half 159 b holds the proximal ends of needles 142 d-142 f.

With needle housing 159 detached from plunger 116 and separated into halves 159 a, 159 b, halves 159 a, 159 b, with their associated needles 142 and attached sutures 134, may be passed through actuator mechanism 112 and elongate member 106 so as to free sutures 134, needles 142, and halves 159 a, 159 b from closure device 100. More specifically, half 159 a and its associated needles 142 may be passed distally back through actuator mechanism 112 and the needle lumen 140 associated with the needles 142 of half 159 a so that half 159 a and its needles 142 exit the distal end of needle lumen 140, thereby freeing half 159 a and its needles 142 from device 100. Half 159 b and its associated needles 142 may similarly be passed back through actuator mechanism 112 and the needle lumen 140 associated with the needles 142 of half 159 b so that half 159 b and its needles 142 exit the distal end of needle lumen 140 associated therewith, thereby freeing half 159 b and its needles 142 from device 100.

Alternatively, closure device 100 may have one or more slots extending the length thereof through which sutures 134 and/or needles 142 may be passed to remove closure device 100 from off of sutures 134. For instance, the slots may open the needle lumens 140 to the external surface of device 100 such that sutures 134 and/or needles 142 may be passed therethrough to remove device 100. In other embodiments, the slots may open the needle lumens 140 to a central internal channel within device 100, such that sutures 134 and needles 142 may be passed from needle lumens 140 into the central channel so that sutures 134, needles 142, and halves 159 a, 159 b may be passed through the central channel and out the distal end of device 100.

In any case, once closure device 100 has been removed from sutures 134, halves 159 a, 159 b enable sutures 134 a-134 c to be arranged in an orderly manner, as shown in FIG. 16 , thereby enabling a doctor (or other user) to quickly identify opposing ends of each suture 134. The doctor (or other user) may then cut the opposing ends of each suture from the needles and tie them off individually to close puncture site 166, as shown in FIG. 17 . Being able to quickly identify opposing ends of each suture 134 allows the user to better manage the sutures and ensure that puncture site 166 is properly closed. After the sutures have been cut from the needles, the detachable housing may be re-attached to the plunger, or may be disposed.

Depending on the number and arrangement of sutures 134, various closure patterns and knots may be used to close puncture site 166. FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate various example manners of closing puncture site 166. For instance, FIG. 17A illustrates two sutures tied in a parallel arrangement. FIG. 17B illustrates a similar parallel arrangement with three sutures. FIG. 17C illustrates three sutures tied in a star shaped arrangement. Sutures 134 can be secured in any suitable manner, including by tying or with clamps, clips, or other closure devices.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 18-25 which illustrate a closure device 200 according another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a method for using closure device 200. Closure device 200 is similar to closure device 100 in many respects. As a result, the following discussion of closure device 200 will focus primarily on those aspects of closure device 200 that are different from closure device 100.

Closure device 200 includes a proximal end 202 and a distal end 204. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , closure device 200 includes an elongate member 206 that has a proximal end 208 and a distal end 210. Elongate member 206 is generally tubular and includes one or more lumens that extend generally from proximal end 208 to distal end 210. The one or more lumens may be used to facilitate the delivery of device 200 over a guidewire or to deliver one or more needles into a patient. As can be se been in FIGS. 18 and 19 , elongate member 206 has a generally uniform diameter along its length.

Connected to proximal end 208 of elongate member 206 is an actuator mechanism 212. Actuator mechanism 212 includes a handle 214 to facilitate manipulation of device 200. Actuator mechanism 212 also includes a plunger 216 used to deploy and retract needles from elongate member 206, and a lever 218 used to selectively deploy and retract a plurality of feet.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , distal end 204 of device 200 includes a foot portion 220 attached to or extending from distal end 210 of elongate member 206. Elongate member 206 and foot portion 220 may be discrete pieces that are coupled together, or elongate member 206 and foot portion 220 may be integrally formed as a single piece.

A plurality of feet 222 are movably mounted on foot portion 220. Feet 222 are movable between a delivery position and a deployed position. In the delivery position, which is illustrated in FIG. 18 , feet 222 are positioned at a first location along the length of device 200 and are substantially or entirely within a diameter that is about equal to an outer diameter of elongate member 206. In contrast, when feet 222 are in the deployed position as illustrated in FIG. 19 , feet 222 are positioned at a second, more proximal location along the length of device 200 and extend radially beyond the outer diameter of elongate member 206.

When feet 222 are in the delivery configuration, distal end 204 can be inserted through a puncture site and into a body lumen of a patient. Once distal end 204 is positioned within the body lumen, feet 222 may be moved to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, feet 222 increase the profile of distal end 204, which prevents distal end 204 from being inadvertently pulled out of the body lumen through the puncture site. Additionally, feet 222 may also be used as a locator to assist a physician in properly positioning distal end 204 within the body lumen. As will be discussed in greater detail below, feet 222 are operatively connected to lever 218 such that feet 222 may be selectively moved between the delivery position and the deployed position by actuating lever 218.

FIGS. 18 and 19 further illustrate that device 200 optionally includes a flexible guidebody 224 extending distally from the distal end of foot portion 220. As with guidebody 124, guide body 224 can be advanced along a guidewire into a body lumen. Accordingly, at least the distal portion of guidebody 224 can be formed from a flexible or elastomeric material that is biocompatible, particularly with blood.

Turning attention to FIGS. 20A and 20B, a horizontal cross-sectional view (taken along cross-sectional lines 20A-20A in FIG. 18 ) and a partial cutaway view of distal end 204, including foot portion 220 and plurality of feet 222, are illustrated. In the present embodiment, plurality of feet 222 includes four feet, identified as feet 222 a, 222 b, 222 c, 222 d, respectively, but may include more or fewer feet. As can be seen in FIG. 20A, feet 222 a-d are disposed radially about foot portion 220. Extending through the center of foot portion 220 is an actuator lumen 226, which also extends at least partially through elongate body 206. A rod or cable 228 extends through actuator lumen 226 to connect feet 222 a-d to lever 218.

As lever 218 is moved in the direction of arrow A₃, as shown in FIG. 19 , rod 228 is drawn proximally through actuator lumen 226. The proximal movement of rod 228 causes feet 222 a-d to move from the delivery position shown in FIG. 18 to the deployed position shown in FIG. 19 . In contrast, as lever 218 is moved in the direction opposite to arrow A₃, rod 228 is moved distally through actuator lumen 226, thereby moving feet 222 a-d from the deployed position to the delivery position.

FIG. 20B illustrates a cutaway view of distal end 204, showing foot 222 a in the delivery and deployed positions. Specifically, FIG. 20B shows foot 222 a in solid lines in the delivery position and in phantom lines in the deployed position. As can be seen in FIG. 20B, when in the delivery position, foot 222 a is located more distally along the length of distal end 204 than when foot 222 a is in the deployed position. In other words, as foot 222 a moves from the delivery position to the deployed position (e.g., generally in the direction of arrow A₄), foot 222 a moves proximally along the length of distal end 204. Correspondingly, as foot 222 a moves from the deployed position to the delivery position (e.g., generally in the direction opposite to arrow A₄), foot 222 a moves distally along the length of distal end 204.

Likewise, when in the delivery position, foot 222 a is located radially closer to the center of foot portion 220 (e.g., actuator lumen 226) than when foot 222 a is in the deployed position. In other words, as foot 222 a moves from the delivery position to the deployed position, foot 222 a moves radially away from the center of foot portion 220. Correspondingly, as foot 222 a moves from the deployed position to the delivery position, foot 222 a moves radially closer to the center of distal end 204.

To facilitate movement of feet 222 a-d between the delivery and deployed positions, foot portion 220 and feet 222 a-d include a track system. The track system enables feet 222 a-d to move along the length of device 200 while also moving radially relative to foot portion 220. In the illustrated embodiment, foot portion 220 includes track guides 230 a-d disposed within the outer surface thereof, and feet 222 a-d include tracks 232 a-d, respectively. Tracks 232 a-d are slidably positioned within track guides 230 a-d, respectively, so that tracks 232 a-d are able to slide within track guides 230 a-d as feet 222 a-d move between the delivery and deployed positions.

As noted above, FIG. 20B illustrates a partial cutaway view of distal end 204. More specifically, FIG. 20B illustrates a partial cutaway view of distal end 204 showing foot 222 a in solid lines in the delivery position and in phantom lines in the deployed position. FIG. 20B also shows that track guide 230 a is angled relative to the length of device 200 and/or a central or longitudinal axis A of distal end 204. That is, track guide 230 a has a first or distal end 234 that is positioned radially closer to central axis A than a second or proximal end 236.

The angled nature of track guide 230 a causes foot 222 a to move radially closer to and further away from axis A as foot 222 a moves along the length of device 200. For instance, as rod 228 pulls foot 222 a in the direction of arrow A₄, the angled nature of track guide 230 a causes foot 222 a to also move in the direction of arrow A₅. Similarly, as rod 228 pushes foot 222 a in the direction opposite of arrow A₄, the angled nature of track guide 230 a causes foot 222 a to also move in the direction opposite of arrow A₅. As a result, foot 222 a is able to move both longitudinally along a portion of the length of device 200 as well as radially relative to foot portion 220.

Although FIG. 20B only illustrates track guide 230 a and foot 222 a, it will be understood that track guides 230 b-d and feet 222 b-d can have similar or identical configurations. Additionally, track guides 230 a-d and tracks 232 a-d may also have other configurations than those illustrated. For instance, track guides may be formed on feet 222 while tracks are formed on foot portion 220. Furthermore, while track guides 230 are illustrated as being generally straight, track guides may also be curved so long as they cause feet 222 to move radially as feet 222 move longitudinally.

As can be seen in FIG. 20B, foot 222 a does not extend substantially beyond the outer diameter of elongate member 206 when foot 222 a is in the delivery position. As a result, foot 222 a is in a relatively compact position and is able to be readily inserted through a puncture site and into a body lumen. In contrast, foot 222 a extends radially beyond the outer diameter of elongate member 206 when foot 222 a is in the deployed position (as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 20B). Device 200 can be configured so that feet 222 a-d, when in the deployed position, extend out radially far enough that feet 222 a-d can engage or be positioned adjacent to an interior or distal surface of a body lumen wall.

Returning again to FIG. 20A, feet 222 a-d include cuff receptacles 238 a-d. Cuffs 240 a-d are releasably disposed within cuff receptacles 238 a-d, respectively. Sutures 242, 244 are connected between pairs of cuffs 240 a-d. In the illustrated embodiment, suture 242 is connected between cuffs 240 a, 240 c, while suture 244 is connected between cuffs 240 b, 240 d. When sutures 242, 244 are used to close a puncture site, sutures 242, 244 will form a generally X-shaped suture loop pattern. Nevertheless, sutures 242, 244 may be connected between cuffs 240 a-d in such an arrangement so as to form other suture loop patterns. For instance, suture 242 could be connected between cuff 240 a and cuff 240 d and suture 244 could be connected between cuff 240 b and cuff 240 c. In such a case, sutures 242, 244 would create two generally parallel suture loops around a puncture site, similar to those shown in FIG. 17A.

As can be seen in FIGS. 19 and 21 , feet 222 a-d are generally aligned with needle lumens 246 a-d in elongate member 206 when feet 222 a-d are in the deployed position. As noted above, needles 248 a-d may be passed through or extended from needle lumens 246 a-d. Aligning feet 222 a-d with needle lumens 246 a-d enables needles 248 a-d to be extended from needle lumens 246 a-d toward cuffs 240 a-d so that needles 248 a-d may engage cuffs 240 a-d.

Needles 248 a-d can be advanced through needle lumens 246 a-d using plunger 216. More specifically, plunger 216 may be linked to or operably associated with needles 248 a-d such that needles 248 a-d advance out of needle lumens 246 a-d as plunger 216 is moved distally (i.e., towards distal end 204). Likewise, plunger 216 may be adapted to withdraw needles 248 a-d back into needle lumens 246 a-d when plunger 216 is moved proximally (i.e., away from distal end 204).

When feet 222 a-d are in the deployed position within a body lumen, needles 248 a-d can be deployed from elongate member 206 into the patient. As needles 248 a-d penetrate the lumen wall, each needle 222 a-d engages and connects to a cuff 240 a-d in a manner similar to that described above in connection with needles 142 and cuffs 132. Once needles 248 a-d are connected to cuffs 240 a-d, needles 248 a-d and connected cuffs 240 a-d are withdrawn out of the patient. Drawing cuffs 240 a-d out of the patient pulls sutures 242, 244 through the lumen wall so that sutures 242, 244 may be tied to close a puncture in the lumen wall.

As with device 100, device 200 may have a corresponding number of cuffs, needles, and needle lumens as discussed above. Also, like device 100, device 200 may also include non-corresponding numbers of cuffs, needles, and needle lumens. For instance, device 200 may include one or more needles that have multiple needle tips configured to retrieve or withdraw through a lumen wall more than one cuff as described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 21-25 , one exemplary method of using device 200 will be discussed. In light of the foregoing discussion, it will be understood that device 200, as used in the following method, may include a plurality of individual needles (e.g., needles 248) delivered through individual needle lumens (e.g., 246), or may include one or more multi-tip needles (similar to needles 154) delivered through one or more needle lumens (similar to needle lumens 160). For simplicity, the following exemplary method will be described with reference to needles 248 and needle lumens 246. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that needles 248 may be representative of two or more individual-tip or multi-tip needles. Likewise, needle lumens 246 may also be representative of two or more needle lumens through which individual-tip or multi-tip needles can be advanced

As shown in FIG. 21 , distal end 204 of device 200 is at least partially inserted into a patient such that foot portion 220 passes at least partially through a puncture 250 in a lumen wall 252. As with many transluminal procedures, device 200 may be introduced into the body lumen using a guidewire. Once foot portion 220 is positioned within the body lumen, feet 222 a-d are moved from the delivery position shown in FIG. 21 to the deployed position shown in FIG. 22 . As discussed above, feet 222 a-d may be moved to the deployed position by actuating lever 218. Once feet 222 a-d are in the deployed position, device 200 may be moved proximally so that feet 222 a-d engage the interior surface of lumen wall 252. In this manner, feet 222 a-d may be used as locators to ensure proper placement of distal end 204 within the body lumen.

Once feet 222 a-d have been deployed and positioned within the body lumen as desired, needles 248 a-d are advanced from needle lumens 246 a-d as shown in FIG. 23 . As discussed above, needles 248 a-d may be advanced out of needle lumens 246 a-d by moving plunger 216 (FIG. 1 ) distally. The advancement of needles 248 a-d out of needle lumens 246 a-d causes needles 248 a-d to extend distally and at least partially radially away from elongate member 206. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 23 , needles 248 a-d extend out of needle lumens 246 a-d at an angle relative to elongate member 206 so that needles 248 a-d pass through lumen wall 252 and toward cuffs 240 a-d in feet 222 a-d as needles 248 a-d advance out of needle lumens 246 a-d.

As needles 248 a-d engage cuffs 240 a-d in feet 222 a-d, the needle tips of needles 248 a-d (whether single tip or multi-tip needles) securely engage cuffs 240 a-d to connect cuffs 240 a-d to needles 248 a-d. With the needle tips securely connected to cuffs 240 a-d, needles 248 a-d are withdrawn out of the patient by moving plunger 216 (FIG. 1 ) proximally. As needles 248 a-d are withdrawn, cuffs 240 a-d are also withdrawn out of the patient. More specifically, since cuffs 240 a-d are securely connected to needles 248 a-d, withdrawal of needles 248 a-d also causes cuffs 240 a-d to be withdrawn. Even more specifically, as shown in FIG. 24 , as needles 248 a-d are drawn back through lumen wall 252, cuffs 240 a-d are likewise drawn therethrough. As can also be seen in FIG. 24 , since sutures 242, 244 are connected between cuffs 240 a-d, the ends of suture 242, 244 are also drawn through lumen wall 252. As a result, the opposing ends of each suture 242, 244 extend through lumen wall 252 on opposing sides of puncture site 250 so that each suture 242, 244 spans puncture site 250.

Needles 248 a-d may be withdrawn completely back into needle lumens 246 a-d along with cuffs 240 a-d as shown in FIG. 25 . Feet 222 a-d are then moved back to the delivery position as also shown in FIG. 25 . As discussed above, feet 222 a-d are moved from the deployed position to the delivery position by moving lever 218 from the position shown in FIG. 19 to the position shown in FIG. 18 . Once feet 222 a-d are in the delivery position, distal end 204 is removed from the patient, leaving sutures 242, 244 spanning puncture site 250 and extending out of lumen wall 252. Sutures 242, 244 are then secured to close puncture 250 as shown in FIGS. 17-17C. Sutures 242, 244 can be secured in any suitable manner, including by tying or with clamps, clips, or other closure devices.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. It shall be further understood that although the present invention has been described in relation to vessel closure, it is contemplated that the closure component of the present invention may be utilized to close other openings in the body such as PFO openings, or openings formed in organs such as the stomach for certain surgical procedures. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for closing an opening in tissue, comprising: positioning a first elongate member and a second elongate member within a patient, the second elongate member being distal the first elongate member; moving a needle assembly, which comprises a plurality of needle portions extending from a needle base, within a first lumen of the first elongate member to advance the plurality of needle portions from an exit port of the first lumen to frictionally engage with a plurality of suture carriers, each suture carrier having a suture portion extending therefrom; and retracting the needle assembly, and the plurality of needle portions, into the first lumen through the exit port to thereby locate a plurality of sutures selectively mounted to the needle assembly within the first lumen of the first elongate member.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the needle portions is offset from another needle portion of the plurality of needle portions.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each needle portion comprises a generally square cross-sectional shape.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving a plunger operatively associated with needle assembly to slidably move the needle assembly.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of needle portions are disposed along the first end of the needle base.
 6. A method for closing an opening in tissue, comprising: positioning a first elongate member and a second elongate member within a patient, the second elongate member being distal the first elongate member; moving a needle assembly, which comprises a plurality of needle portions extending from a needle base, within a first lumen of the first elongate member to advance the plurality of needle portions from an exit port of the first lumen to frictionally engage with a plurality of suture carriers; and retracting the needle assembly, and the plurality of needle portions, into the first lumen through the exit port to thereby locate a plurality of sutures selectively mounted to the needle assembly through the exit port and into the first lumen of the first elongate member.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein one of the needle portions is offset from another needle portion of the plurality of needle portions.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein each needle portion comprises a generally square cross-sectional shape.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising moving a plunger operatively associated with needle assembly to slidably move the needle assembly.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of needle portions are disposed along the first end of the needle base. 